Give Your Body the Gift of Breath

If you breathe well you will live long.

Sanskrit proverb

Did you know that just by taking 3 minutes to breathe consciously you can reduce your stress level and sharpen your ability to focus?

Here is a quick breathing exercise to help calm your mind, rejuvenate your spirit and relax your body.

Sit up straight and breathe in slowly through your nose, Breathe all the way out slowly through your mouth. On the next breath, feel the breath as it enters and leaves your lungs. On the third breath, feel your lungs fill then imagine the oxygen flowing from your lungs into your body. On each of your next few breaths feel the oxygen flowing down your spine, then into your arms & hands, then into your legs and feet and finally, feel your breath throughout your body.

More Breathing Exercises

Breathing Exercises are among the best remedies to help focus your attention and to help reduce stress. Like meditation, breathing exercises give your mind and body a quick timeout. Even before you feel stressed or when you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed stop for a moment and inhale deeply through your nose, then exhale slowly through your mouth. Even in the middle of an important meeting you can do this to help stay relaxed and centered. When you are at your desk or driving, here are a couple of breathing exercises you can do.

• Sit up straight and breathe in slowly through your nose, Breathe all the way out slowly through your mouth. On the next breath, feel the breath as it enters and leaves your lungs. On the third breath, feel your lungs fill then imagine the oxygen flowing from your lungs into your body. On each of your next few breaths feel the oxygen flowing down your spine, then into your arms & hands, then into your legs and feet and finally, feel your breath throughout your body.
• Start by counting to 5 on the inhale then holding for a count of 5 then releasing to a count of 5 then holding for a count of 5 and repeat the cycle 4 or 5 times. You can increase your count one count at a time until you are counting to 10. If you practice this regularly, throughout your days, you will find yourself less stressed and better able to diffuse stressful situations.
• Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose and breathe out slowly through your mouth – make sure to exhale completely. After 3 or 4 breaths focus on your heart. Keep breathing several more breaths while focusing on your heart.